CHICAGO, IL—The Lincoln Park Zoo recently announced plans to introduce a special membership with some interesting perks. While admission is normally free of charge and patrons pay for parking only, individuals who make a donation of more than $50 will be eligible for "Platinum Membership," which includes free parking, a free gift shop souvenir during the holder's birth month, discounted concessions, and a remote to shock certain zoo animals.
"We are very excited about this new [Platinum Membership] program," shared zoo director Alex Bradshaw. Not only will the funds help us improve and expand, but the perks will get community members more excited about visiting and supporting our zoo!"
When asked to shed some light on the shock remote concept, Bradshaw explained, "Yes, some of the animals wear collars, leg bands, or ear tags that deliver a small electric shock when we want—just enough to get their attention. Normally the keepers use it when they need to move an asset to a different holding area and it's being uncooperative, but I had this idea that our Platinum Members might enjoy using them during their zoo visits."
"The two most common complaints we get at Lincoln Park Zoo are that animals are sleeping when the patrons pass their enclosure or that they couldn't find the animal at all," the director elaborated, "and with the shock remotes, VIPs can wake up animals that are sleeping and get the hidden ones to move into view."
Since the announcement of the membership program, donations to the zoo have more than quintupled, and Bradshaw is "looking forward to patrons having a more enriching experience."